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Issue: No. 101 (2026)
Section: Article
DOI: 10.58490/ctjump.2026i101.4617
Date Published: 20/08/2026
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Tran , V. A. M., Huynh, T. P., Nguyen, L. N. T., Tran, T. Y. N., Nguyen , N. V. T., Truong, H. H., & Nguyen, T. T. B. (2026). HANDGRIP STRENGTH AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN KOREA. Cantho Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy, 101, 355-361. https://doi.org/10.58490/ctjump.2026i101.4617

HANDGRIP STRENGTH AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN KOREA

Vo Anh Minh Tran 1, Tan Phat Huynh1, Lam Nhat Tien Nguyen1, Thi Yen Ngoc Tran1, Nguyen Vinh Tra Nguyen 1, Huu Hanh Truong1, , Tu Thai Bao Nguyen1,  
1 Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Main Article Content

Abstract

Background: Handgrip strength (HGS) is a reliable biomarker for assessing overall musculoskeletal strength and has significant prognostic value in screening and diagnosing sarcopenia. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of HGS while identifying associated factors among older adults in South Korea. Materials and methods:  A cross-sectional study was conducted among 4903 older adults (aged≥60 years) in South Korea using data from Wave 9 (2022) of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA). Low handgrip strength was defined according to the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria, and associated factor were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean HGS of the participants was 24.5±8.4 kg, with a mean age of 72±8 years. The prevalence of low handgrip strength among older adults was 34.75%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of factors associated with HGS revealed that advanced age significantly increased the risk of the outcome (OR=1.11; p<0.001); Body Mass Index (BMI) showed a significant inverse correlation (OR=0.95; p<0.001); and the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) index was robustly associated with HGS (OR=1.93; p<0.001). Additionally, comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension and cardiovascular disease were also significantly associated with handgrip strength. Conclusions: Advanced age and limitations in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) are primary risk factors for muscle weakness in older adults, while higher BMI serves as a protective factor. Recommendations: Routine screening for reduced handgrip strength among older adults, especially those at high risk, should be considered. Early identification combined with appropriate physical activity interventions may contribute to preventing functional decline and promoting healthy aging. 

Keywords

Handgrip strength, older adults, low grip strength, BMI, ADL

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